CANNY Chris Waddle is destroying the fear factor at Turf Moor, writes TONY DEWHURST.

And on the evidence of last night's spick and span 90 minutes against Copa Brasil champions Gremio, Burnley's stimulating manager is winning the mind over matter battle.

"Since I've taken over as manager at Burnley I've found that a lot of things are on the players' minds. I am trying to change that," observed Waddle.

"It is not a question of ability at Burnley. It is just a question of getting them to focus and to start to enjoy their football.

"That's the way I played as a player and I want my teams to adopt that.

"I'm trying to get each player to be stronger psychologically. That is vitally important if we are to move forward as a football club.

"The message I'm trying to get across is for them to have a strong mind and not to switch off.

"My philosophy has always been that football is a simple game whether you are playing in the World Cup or in a local Lancashire League.

"If we do that collectively, like the players showed against Gremio, then I'd like to think we would have a good season."

Certainly Burnley delighted not only Waddle, but a healthy 5,000 crowd with a terrific pre-season work-out against the slick Brazilians.

Indeed, Burnley rattled Gremio out of their stride with their most accomplished display under Waddle, who watched from the sidelines after pulling out of the game with a sore throat.

Okay, traditionally friendly fixtures can sometimes flatter to deceive, and it would be wrong to read anything of great substance into a match of this nature. Yet the turbo-charged Clarets moved up a couple of gears from their unbeaten tour of Northern Ireland to give Gremio genuine food for thought.

Indeed, all the creativity, movement, belief and crisp passing ability came from Burnley, whose fitness levels have also obviously improved under the new regime.

The midfield department - with Damian Matthew, Paul Weller and new boy Michael Williams - bubbled with ideas, while the back line were rarely troubled by Gremio's forays.

There was a special touch from the Brazilians before the kick-off. Resplendent in their all-white strip, they joined hands in the centre circle and bowed to the home audience, a gesture widely appreciated by the Burnley support.

And the boys from Brazil could hardly have had more of a contrasting environment, fresh from the exhausting heat and humidity of South America.

With slate grey skies and cloying drizzle sweeping across the stadium for the whole game it made for a dull mid-winter scene, never mind the last day of July.

Burnley, though, rewarded their fans with a polished performance.

The Clarets gave notice of their early intentions with Chris Vinnicombe delivering a beautiful centre for Andy Cooke, who was narrowly off target.

A fizzing five-man move then threatened the Gremio goal again, yet defender Vile read the situation and dealt with the danger as Burnley closed in.

Then Burnley grabbed a deserved lead. Again David Eyres - who had a terrific first half -was involved at the heart of the build-up. Eyres broke free on the left flank and the captain's cross was met by Cooke, who converted cooly past goalkeeper Silvio.

Just a word about Cooke. His game has improved so much in the past year.

While he possesses that abrasive power and presence crucial to a number nine, his first touch and general play has developed hugely.

Perhaps we expected too much from the Brazilians, but the simple truth is that Burnley did not allow them to play and flourish.

The second half provided Waddle ample opportunity to use six of his seven substitutes with youngsters Ian Duerden, Phil Eastwood and reserve team coach Gordon Cowans all making their full Burnley debuts.

Indeed, Eastwood nearly made it a spectacular entrance, chipping Gremio goalkeeper Silvio from 35 yards out.

Somehow, though, Silvio scrambled back to his line to deny Eastwood's clever opportunism and a David Beckham style strike.

While there are several important decisions to be made before the Second Division season begans in earnest at Watford a week tomorrow, it appears Waddle has made his mind up over several positions.

Jamie Hoyland looks certain to get the nod for the central defensive role, his best position, but clearly other berths in the side remain up for grabs with the injury situation mounting.

Burnley went about their business with boldness and belief against Gremio and Waddle will be looking for a repeat performance against Manchester City at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Burnley: Beresford, Huxford, Vinnicombe, Williams (Cowans), Blatherwick (West, 80), Winstanley, Weller (Little, 77), Matthew (Gleghorn, 56), Cooke (Duerden, 80), Hoyland, Eyres (Eastwood). Sub not used: Woods (GK)

Gremio: Silvio, Vile, Cleser, Douglas, China, Pablo, Roberto, Olidio, Leo, Aurelio, Cosmo

Referee: Mr T Leake (Darwen) Attendance: 5,666

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